Thieves stealing parts from the city's irrigation system has resulted in dead trees and a big bill for taxpayers.

City officials said thieves have stolen the brass parts off of water valves in order to resell the metal for cash.

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"I just think that is despicable," said resident Angela Ramirez. "I'm very, very sad to think that someone would do something like that to our beautiful, beautiful nature. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Brass that really can't help them that much, I don't understand why they would do that," said resident Sean Brooks.

No valves means no water flowed to several of the city's trees, which means several trees along the medians died before anyone noticed the system had been hacked. The city will finish cutting down the dead trees in the coming weeks.

Tree removal and replacing the valves will cost taxpayers thousands.

"I just think it's deplorable, and I can't imagine anyone who would ever want to do anything like that," said Ramirez.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call the Albuquerque Police Department.